Race horse training. Methods of training, managing, handling, healing, rehabilitating, feeding and caretaking of Thoroughbred Race Horses by Mary D. Midkiff
2. Midkiff Horse Training
Through my lifelong experience with horses I have come to
understand how crucial it is to train horses within their world of
understanding; listening and observing everything they are
communicating to you as they develop.
3. Midkiff Horse Training
We relate best to horses through what is natural to them. We are
always learning about their diet, how they relate to one another,
how they react as prey animals and how they move.
4. Midkiff Horse Training
Approach to Managing and Training Horses
1. Evaluation
Overall health
Emotional and mental health
Personality and Life Force
Willingness to participate with me
2. Program
Internal Health and Nutrition
Balancing the Nervous System
Energy and Body Work
Ground Work
Games and Questions
Mounted Work
5. Midkiff Horse Training
Approach to Managing and Training Horses
When I meet a horse I take an overall impression.
Smell the breath
Look in the eyes
Notice the texture of the skin and hair
Feel the coat and body temperature
Check out quality of feet
Note the weight distribution
Watch him or her move
6. Midkiff Horse Training
Approach to Managing and Training Horses
As I evaluate the horse I gather information on what the horse needs and how
I will progress from here.
7. Midkiff Horse Training
Approach to Managing and Training Horses
The program begins with the horse’s internal health.
1. Nutrition
Health of the Intestinal Tract
8. Midkiff Horse Training
1. Nutrition - foundation for all steps in the program
Horse’s health, comfort, ability to think, coordinate and learn start in the
intestinal tract.
Feed
Select and feed organic grain when possible
Use herbal or natural supplements
Avoid toxins such as sugars, preservatives, pesticides and herbicides
Avoid stored feeds as they may have spoiled
Have hay analyzed for nutrition
Provide natural mineral salt rocks free choice
9. Midkiff Horse Training
2. Balancing the Nervous System
The nervous system must fully function in order for the horse to progress in his or her
education.
Steps
Aromatherapy with Midkiff’s The InBalance Horse essential oil blend
Release endorphins through the mouth
Massage Jaw and TMJ areas
Open up jaw bones and passage between
Oppositional energy of head and atlas joint
Massage around poll and ears
Acupressure in upper neck
Stretch nuchal ligament
10. Midkiff Horse Training
3. Energy and Body Work
Finding and relieving excess and deficient energy throughout the horse will
balance his ability to fully use his mind and body.
Steps
Hands on massage
Laser therapy
Magnet therapy
Dowsing
Myo-fascial release
Stretches
11. Midkiff Horse Training
4. Ground Work
Everything you do with a horse on the ground contributes to his acceptance of
work in the saddle.
Steps
Tying
Ropes around the body
Forward movement
Sideways movement
Backward movement
Driving with lines
Ability to distinguish each foot
12. Midkiff Horse Training
Ground Work Steps and Training
Round pen with lines and free
Connected work
Wash stall
Trailer
Gates
Ground poles and obstacles
16. Midkiff Horse Training
The reward is always the leader’s acceptance. Every step begins
and ends with the leader’s acceptance.
17. Midkiff Horse Training
Each introduction including bridle and bit, saddle, rider, racetrack, starting gate and
beyond is based on the young horse’s acceptance and trust of the leader.
25. Midkiff Horse Training
Racing your horses, or educating yearlings out of
the field or out of the sales to young horses that
are breezing and racetrack ready, we would be
honored to train your horses. We know how
important they are to you and only want to see
them flourish and shine as athletes!
Come to High Pointe Training Center in
LaGrange, KY.
Mary D. Midkiff 502-552-1195 or
mary@midkiffhorsetraining.com 25
30. Midkiff Horse Training
Mary Midkiff
Midkiff Horse Training
PO Box 1209
Prospect, KY 40059
mary@midkiffhorsetraining.com
www.midkiffhorsetraining.com
502-552-1195